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Himmelsbach: Leaders in a pack as PGA hits home stretch

Rory McIlroy had just finished the third round of the PGA Championship and would head to the clubhouse with a slim one-shot lead. But first he had to do some interviews. He spoke to a group of writers at a podium before preparing to walk to the media center for another session. Then a reporter for The Golf Channel stopped him and was almost apologetic as he asked if he could go on camera for a minute. McIlroy nodded.

Rory McIlroy had just finished the third round of the PGA Championship and would head to the clubhouse with a slim one-shot lead. But first he had to do some interviews.

He spoke to a group of writers at a podium before preparing to walk to the media center for another session. Then a reporter for The Golf Channel stopped him and was almost apologetic as he asked if he could go on camera for a minute. McIlroy nodded.

"I have time," he said, his Irish accent making all things sound friendly. "I'm not going off until like 3:00 tomorrow."

That's because he's once again in the last group of the last round of a major championship. On Sunday McIlroy will take aim at Valhalla Golf Club in prime time, and he will not be alone.

Although he is the headliner, he is just one part of a deep and star-studded leaderboard. It appears we're in for one memorable final round in Louisville, with nine players bunched within four strokes at the top.

No, Tiger Woods is no longer here. But after McIlroy (13 under par) and Bernd Wiesberger (-12), the second group will pair up-and-coming Rickie Fowler (-11) and been-here-the-whole-time Phil Mickelson (-10). Henrik Stenson, the world's fourth-ranked player, is among four players at 9 under. Adam Scott is lurking at 7 under.

"I would say the leaderboard is the most jam-packed it's been, maybe since the final round of the Masters," said Fowler, a precocious 25-year-old whom young fans have gravitated toward this week. "… This one is out there for the taking, for sure. Anyone can go out and post a number tomorrow. It's wide open."

Said Mickelson: "When there's this many guys, I don't look at the leaderboard. I just know I've got to push and keep making birdies."

Heavy rains made for a soggy course — many fans in the muddy galleries ditched golf shoes for rain boots — but the rain also softened the greens and led to low scores. Under those conditions, several players said, a golfer can gather momentum in an instant.

"With the way the golf course is playing, it's not out of the question that someone can shoot 8 or 9 under," Fowler said. "Being five, six or seven shots back, post early and you never know what can happen."

Aside from Woods' absence, the PGA of America must be thrilled to have such a tantalizing leadup to the final round of the season's final major. And there is someone for everyone.

Fowler is ready to lead golf's overdue youth movement. He wears his bright clothing and appears to take nothing too seriously. (After Saturday's round, he walked over to the teenager who had toted his scoreboard throughout the day, thanked him and said he'd give him some autographs.)

Mickelson, of course, is the lovable everyman. He looks like he could be your neighbor, and it makes you think that maybe being one of the world's top golfers isn't so difficult after all. (Spoiler alert: It's very difficult.) At 44, there might not be many opportunities like this left for Mickelson.

Then there is McIlroy, the top-ranked player who is chasing his fourth major and is on the brink of superstardom. He is also going for his third consecutive victory overall, a dazzling run that started with the British Open.

On Sunday they'll all be there together with plenty of company. It will be crowded at the top, with big stars trading big shots in big moments.

It should be quite a show.

Rory McIlory is in the lead going into the last day of the PGA Championship.
Scott Utterback